Cinema chains back biopics and sports dramas to lift premium-format footfall

BookMyShow, Cinépolis India and Miraj Entertainment see continued potential for biopics and sports dramas despite recent flops, with exhibitors leaning on star-led stories, spectacle and IMAX/premium screens. April release Michael crossed ₹60 crore in India, aided by IMAX screenings.

— Source publishedThu, 10 Sept, 2026, 11:12 IST·First seen Thu, 10 Sept, 2026, 11:17 IST·Source Mint · Industry

What happened

BookMyShow · Indian cinema operators see biopics and sports dramas remaining commercially viable despite recent flops, with filmmakers shifting toward

Key facts

  • ₹60 crore

Why this matters

Prioritize partnerships with studios, talent and sports-rights owners that can secure differentiated event content and premium-format windows.

What to watch

  • Opening-weekend premium-format occupancy and advance-booking share versus standard-format screens.
  • Premium ticket price realization and F&B spend per patron on biopics and sports dramas.
  • Weekend-to-weekday drop-off, second-week hold rates and word-of-mouth indicators for recent releases.
  • Number and release spacing of star-led sports dramas and biopics competing for IMAX and premium screens.
  • Discounting intensity, loyalty redemptions and non-peak occupancy at major multiplex chains.
  • Streaming-window announcements or direct-to-digital acquisitions for mid-budget biographical films.
  • Prioritize premium-screen booking windows for films with recognizable sports properties, national-interest narratives and bankable lead actors.
  • Use advance-booking data by city, language and format to dynamically shift shows from standard screens into IMAX and other high-yield formats.
  • Bundle premium tickets with F&B, merchandise, fan screenings and loyalty offers to raise per-capita spend rather than relying solely on admissions.
  • Build localized marketing partnerships with sports clubs, athlete communities, colleges and corporate groups to create event attendance beyond core filmgoers.
  • Maintain flexible content programming, including concerts, live sports, re-releases and regional titles, to protect utilization if biopic demand softens.